The Double-Chapter 507 - 155 Assassination_5

She had to go where there were people, to rub shoulders with the living, to see the lively streets, and then to tell herself that everything from the past was over, that no one would find out what she had done, that everything would get better.

The maid couldn’t talk her out of it and had to find a thick cloak to wrap Xiao Deyin up snugly, tucked a hand warmer into her hands, and supported her as they left the house.

The moment Xiao Deyin stepped out the door, she was still very nervous. She feared hearing that inescapable "Guan Shan Yue" again, she still hadn’t shaken off Xue Fangfei’s shadow. But fortunately, this time when she went out, no one was playing "Guan Shan Yue" nearby and no one was talking about Yanjing’s first zither master in front of her.

Xiao Deyin followed the maid out of the alley.

The streets were filled with frolicking children; although it was already evening, the liveliness hadn’t diminished at all. Instead, there were sugar figurines and street performers everywhere. Lanterns were being lit one after another, dousing the entire Yanjing City in a bright, fiery glow.

This was the Yanjing City she knew well, vibrant and very different from the chilliness of her residence. She wished to create her own legend in this bustling place. At least during her lifetime, she hoped to retain the title of "the first zither master". After all, she truly loved the zither and the envious gazes of others.

Xiao Deyin didn’t wander far, just strolled around the streets near her home. Perhaps it was the presence of many people on the streets that gave her peace, or it was because today she had not encountered that haunting "Guan Shan Yue". Her complexion improved a lot, and seeing this, the maid by her side chuckled, "Mr. Xiao looks much better now; the medicinal herbs must be taking effect."

Xiao Deyin hummed in response and wandered around some more. She intended to inquire about the mysterious zither master who had appeared a few days ago, playing "Guan Shan Yue" exceptionally well, wanting to know if the news about Yanjing’s first zither master being replaced was already common knowledge. But the maid she sent to inquire came back and told Xiao Deyin there was nothing of the sort.

Although Xiao Deyin was puzzled, she also felt relieved. Even though she didn’t understand what was going on, nothing bad had happened so far, and she guessed maybe she was just overthinking it.

After a while, as evening fell, Xiao Deyin and the maid headed back to the residence. When they reached the entrance of the alley, the maid suddenly remembered something, and said, "Mr. Xiao said a few days ago you wanted to eat pastries from Apricot Virtue Vegetarian. There shouldn’t be a long queue now, and it’s not too far. Please wait for the servant, I will be back shortly."

Xiao Deyin nodded, "You go ahead." She indeed remembered mentioning a few days ago that she wanted to eat pastries from Apricot Virtue Vegetarian and waited at the alley entrance with peace of mind.

The small alley was almost deserted in the evening. Xiao Deyin stood there as two passersby approached from a distance.

Since this alley was a dead end, with a wall at the far end, it wasn’t likely for them to be just passing by. They were mostly either residents of the alley or visitors to nearby relatives. But in the evening, there were usually no visitors, so Xiao Deyin, finding these two individuals unfamiliar, couldn’t help but stare at them a few extra moments.

The two men were staring at her as well.

Xiao Deyin was startled. She was wearing a veil when she went out, and therefore, unrecognizable. Even if they were ruffians, they had no need to stare at her so intently. Moreover, their gazes were particularly chilling, like wolves eying their prey, and she felt an urge to stay away from these two, only to see them suddenly turn back and come towards her as they brushed past.

Xiao Deyin was frightened, sure that these men were coming for her, and immediately turned to run. But before she had run two steps, she was grabbed. Being defenseless, she was about to shout when one of the men covered her mouth, leaving her unable to make any sound. Her eyes widened in terror, her expression inching towards despair.

She watched helplessly as one of the men pulled out a bit of knife glitter from his sleeve.

Just as the blade was about to strike her face, one of them suddenly pulled down Xiao Deyin’s veil. His eyes lit up and he said, "Hey, Mr. Xiao is indeed a beauty. Such a pity to die like this..." He had a vulgar smile on his face.

Xiao Deyin felt even more frightened upon hearing this, but the other man said sharply, "Stop your nonsense, just get the job the princess assigned done. Do you dare to complicate matters?"

Princess? Xiao Deyin was stunned. What princess?

"But it really is such a waste," the man holding the knife murmured reluctantly, pinching Xiao Deyin’s cheek, "Look, so tender you could squeeze water out of it."

Xiao Deyin was overcome with humiliation, but mostly fear. She had no idea whom she had offended or who had sent these men. Just when she felt all hope was lost, she heard the maid’s voice from outside, "Mr. Xiao? Mr. Xiao!"

The two men, upon hearing this, instinctively loosened their grip, and Xiao Deyin immediately pushed hard and cried out, "Help! Help!"

In the silent alley at night, such loud shouts immediately attracted attention. The doors of several residences opened, and people followed the sound over.

Xiao Deyin looked back to see that the two strangers were gone.